The Jatiya Sangsad on Friday afternoon unanimously passed the “Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” a move aimed at consolidating workers’ rights and resolving long-standing industrial unrest.
The bill was moved in the House by Md Nurul Huq, State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, on behalf of Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and was subsequently passed by voice vote.
This legislative action transforms the “Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” which was issued on 17 November 2025, into a full law.
Key reforms for workers
The new labour law introduces several landmark changes for the benefit of the workforce. Notably, it removes the percentage-based complexity for forming trade unions, allowing workers to apply for union registration with the consent of a minimum of 20 members.
In a significant move for female workers, maternity leave has been extended from 112 days to 120 days, or four months. Besides, annual festival holidays have been increased from 11 to 13 days.
The law also stipulates that in any establishment employing 100 or more workers, a provident fund must be established or the workers must be enrolled in the National Pension Authority’s “Progoti” scheme, provided two-thirds of the workers submit a written request.
Gender equality and safety
The legislation places a strong emphasis on workplace safety and gender parity. For the first time, a clear definition of “sexual harassment” has been established, making it mandatory for every institution to form a female-led “Complaint Redressal Committee.”
The law also strictly prohibits wage discrimination between male and female workers for the same work.
Expanded scope and protection
The legal rights of domestic workers, agricultural labourers, and seafarers are now officially recognised under specific sections of the labour law.
The law also includes provisions for the formation of trade unions and the nomination of collective bargaining representatives. Additionally, the definition of ‘seafarer’ has been broadened in alignment with international conventions.
To ensure fair treatment, the “blacklisting” of workers is now classified as an unfair labour practice, carrying penal provisions. The law further guarantees the protection of workers’ personal data.
Institutional mechanisms
The law provides for the formation of a National Social Dialogue Forum to draft national labour laws and policies. It also mandates the creation of an independent and neutral Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Authority to resolve labour disputes.
During the session, it was noted that the passage of this bill reflects the spirit of the July 2024 mass uprising and the protracted struggle of the working class.
Beyond domestic reforms, the law is expected to play a critical role in securing GSP Plus benefits and maintaining duty-free and quota-free access to European Union markets by ensuring compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
It also addresses the implementation of the 11-point requirements set by the United States, Bangladesh’s largest single export market.
The government anticipates that the implementation of this law will foster harmonious relations between owners and workers, ensuring a stable and positive working environment in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector and the broader industrial landscape.
